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LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
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The number of new arrivals through the border crossings of Arqeen and Qoustol has decreased since the application of tighter entry measures starting 10 June (more details can be found in the two previous Updates). UNHCR conducted 22 border monitoring missions to Arqeen and Qoustol during the month of June 2023, where a substantial decrease in the number of arrivals was observed after 10 June. Between 1-9 June, some 25,500 Sudanese crossed into Egypt through Qoustol and Arqeen, while the total figure for the period 10-30 June was of some 7,300 individuals, showing a decrease of some 86% in the average number of daily entries through Qoustol and Arqeen since the enactment of the 10-June regulations. UNHCR continues to observe and monitor reports of visas being issued faster for women, children below 16 and men above 50 from the Egyptian consulates in Wadi Halfa and Port Sudan, compared to men of other age groups.
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Border traffic is however on the increase since Eid. On 4 July, UNHCR learned from the border authorities at Qoustol crossing, that some 480 individuals were processed for entry on the day, of whom the majority are Sudanese. This represents a notable increase compared to the traffic reported at the border during and immediately prior to the Eid holiday. UNHCR also observed heavy traffic of commercial trucks parked in a line that stretches for around 5 kilometres outside of the Qoustol border crossing. According to the border authorities, many drivers left their trucks after reserving their spot in the processing line, to celebrate Eid. They are expected to return to their trucks in the coming days.